Tommy Lee says he "can't wait" for testimonial match

Tommy Lee is relishing the prospect of his testimonial match tomorrow night, admitting that he "can't wait" for the visit of Paul Cook's Wigan Athletic (7pm).

In a Spireites Digital interview, Tommy spoke of his excitement ahead of the game, saying: “I’m looking forward to it in the sense that I’ve come to terms with the fact that my career has finished.

"I’m grateful that the club have given me this opportunity to have a testimonial game, for me to say goodbye to the fans and vice versa. It has been a long time in the planning and I can’t wait to get Wigan down here on Wednesday.”

Tommy discussed the return of some familiar faces, too. He said: “It’s the perfect fixture with the connection to Paul Cook and hopefully Gary Roberts and Sammy Morsy and a couple of ex fans' favourites, which will be nice for the fans to see. It’ll be good preparation for the lads going into a season in the National League.”

He expressed his thanks to Martin Allen, adding: “The manager was kind enough to invite me in - he didn’t have to do that - and he has also been very helpful in regard to the organisation of the game and things like that. He had me in this morning and I did a little bit of coaching with the lads, Shwan and Joe.

"It was nice to get behind the scenes on what’s a new regime at the club. Martin had me in the office and I saw how he worked. He was very meticulous and the lads were at it in training. As a Chesterfield fan, I’m looking forward to the season. I’m sure it’s going to be a good one.”

Tommy also had a message for the club and the fans. “I’m humbled to be given this opportunity by Chesterfield, it’s something that I never thought would happen when I signed for the club ten years ago," he said.

"I have had a fantastic time. It didn’t end how I would have liked it to but thanks to the fans at this football club, I’ve had a brilliant ten years and I’ll never forget that. Hopefully Wednesday evening will be the icing on the cake where I get to show my appreciation on the pitch.”

Tommy hopes to return in the future to cheer on the boys from the stands. “I will get back as much as possible," he vowed. "I love the place as it’s been part of my footballing life and my personal life for ten years now. I’ll always be linked with Chesterfield and I’ll always have an affinity with the club.”

Tickets are available online here and on the night, with prices set at £10 for adults, £5 for over-65s and £3 for under-16s.